Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
Inland SH8 between Christchurch to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is one of NZ's
great scenic drives, the highlight of which is Lake Tekapo, an intensely turquoise lake
with a backdrop of the Southern Alps. The small township is popular with passersby
who stop in for a cuppa and perhaps a look at the historic lakeside church, but in do-
ing so they miss Tekapo's best landmark:Mt John. This, we declare, is one of NZ's
best lookout points.
The best way to appreciate this 1029m mountain (which is actually more of a hill) is
to sidle up and around its slopes, around three hours return from the town. Conveni-
ently located at the top is the delightful
Astro Cafe
(Mt John Observatory; coffee & cake $4-8,
snacks $7-12; 10am-5pm)
, a glass-walled pavilion with 360-degree views across the en-
tire Mackenzie Basin.
The view, however, is equally as dazzling at night. Thanks to clear skies and an ab-
sence of light pollution, the area is known as one of the finest spots on the planet to
explore the heavens. To unravel the mysteries of the Southern Hemisphere sky, take a
adult/child $105/60)
, based at Mt John Observatory.
DOC Offices
Larch Grove;
8.30am-5pm Oct-Apr, to 4.30pm May-Sep)
GATEWAY TOWNS
A
Christchurch (
Click here
)
A
Akaroa (
Click here
)
A
Methven (
Click here
)
A
Hanmer Springs (
Click here
)
A
Arthur's Pass (
Click here
)
A
Mt Cook Village (
Click here
)
